On passing

ON PASSING

Our dad, a man of action, of determined state of mind,
to climb from humble status, the middle class to find.
Leaving school at fourteen would be the normal way
and start work as an office boy with very little pay.
So if not by education could he stake a place,
then by dint of major effort and a smile upon his face.
Called to war like many and proud to play a part,
but coming home on leave to find their house was blown apart;
his mother killed there instantly, his sister gravely hurt,
civilian losses mounting in London dust and dirt.

In finding his life partner it seems that there was fate,
it was not Mum he went to see, but a sister for to date.
The rest they say is history and a family to support,
a car to wash on Sundays and sport and sport and sport;
as kids he taught us swimming and some friends along the way
and always helped our relatives with whom he used to stay.
When digging in the garden some jobs he'd find for us,
'it'll only take five minutes' meant we'd always miss the bus.
A routine and a ritual were what made our Dad tick,
morning kettle on the gas stove, for electric was too quick,
to get around the garden, scoop the poop and water it.
He’d check the weekly bonfires, with meths so carefully lit.

We had to breathe in big, deep, breaths, on brisk walks on 'The Hurst',
there racing to the gravel slides, to see who'd get down first
and back for tea at weekends, with 'Dixon' on at seven,
to the coast with kites at Greatstone or later off to Devon.
He took charge of the shopping and parked three miles away,
but save a penny ha'penny and that would make his day.
With mum he'd go out dancing, on Wednesday nights, their treat,
they'd quickstep, waltz and foxtrot as with their friends they'd meet;
with bargains bought in January at Simpsons on the Strand
t'was possible to think sometimes our dad could be quite grand,
with holidays at Bailey Farm, near Teignmouth, by the sea
he'd make us all play cricket, then scones and cream for tea;
but even there he'd disappear a phone call just to take,
a business deal or two or three; well what a lucky break.
The timber trade top salesman laid off at fifty nine
he bounced back with a vengeance and did not bide his time,
the forty years of contacts were clearly worth much more
introducing many customers that he had served before.
When finally retirement called, to Somerset he came,
surrounded by the family, a dog to walk and train.

When illness struck our David with Mum he fussed and ran,
as when he managed Stanley Park, the football team's best fan.
The grandchildren were taught the same, both feet to kick the ball,
endlessly to hit that thing up and down the hall,
he'd pester Mum with half sized fruit, or loiter by the sink,
to wash your cup before you'd even barely had a drink.

Before we close some final thoughts to bring to your attention
as Crystal Palace Football Club has yet to have a mention;
along with beans and raspberry canes, all tended with great care
and when it came to 'picking time' a chore he'd happily share,
his stock remark, when job was done, deflecting workers' sorrow,
'I think you've had enough for now, there's always more tomorrow'.

Our dad left us good memories; he always played the game,
So now he's gone we know that life will never be the same;
determined, always generous, that spirit never left,
an innings played with gusto, although we are bereft,
we recognise the character, the good bits he passed on,
the words of tunes that oft he sang, although quite often wrong,
replaced with care, so it became a well remembered song,
that we can sing now to declare a life lived long and strong
and proudly be that family to which we all belong.

Promises to Wells electorate request from BBC

To amplify your voice in the London roar
If its help you need, I'll give you more
of my time and experience cos I work for you
Whatever your colour, whatever you do.
I'll campaign for co-ops more houses and jobs,
And keep you informed with letters and blogs,
Whilst thoughtful and patient, decisions I take
and this is a candidate not on the make.
I'm a teacher, a parent and rugby referee
A perfect package I'm sure you'll agree.
From Shepton, Chilcompton, Highbridge or Street
You'll find me campaigning to capture this seat
To work for the many; not just the few;
By acting together we can get rid of blue.